Automobile plow.



A. E. 000m T. VANTUYL.

AUTOMOBILE PLOW.

AP PLICATION FILED lUNE 19, 1909. Q

- Patented Oct. 26, 1915.

I0 SHEETSSHEET l.

A. E. COOK & T. VANTUYL.

AUTOMOBILE PLOW.

' APPLICATION FILED JUNE 19. 1909.

10 SHEETSSHEET 2.

Patented Oct.

A. E. COOK & T. VANTUYL.

AUTOMOBILE PLOW. 7 APPLICATION FILED JUNE 19. 1909.

1,15%,109. Patented Oct. 26, 1915.

I0 SHEETSSHEET 3.

J23 56/ 25 I a A. E. COOK & T. -VANTUY L.

. AUTOMOBlLE PLOW. APPLICATION FILED JUNE 19. 1909.

3. ,158JLQ9. Patented. Oct. 26, 1915.

SHEETS-@I'IEET 4.

.. Q t g I0 SHEETSSHEET 5.

Patented Oct. 26

A. E. COOK'& T. VANTUYL. AUTOMOBILE PLOW APPLICAHON FILED JUNE 19, 1909.

Patented Oct. 26, 1915.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

NIL-LINN; LEM

III

A. E. COOK & T. VANTUYL. AUTOMOBILE PLOW. APPLICATION FILED JUNE 19,1909.

A. E. COOK & T. VANTUYL.

AUTOMOBILE PLOW. 7 APPLICATION FILED JUNE X9, 1909.

Patnted 00t.26,1915.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

A. E. COOK & T. VANTUYL.

AUTOMOBILE PLOW. APPLICATION FILED JUNE 19. 1909.

Patented Oct. 26, 1915.

\0 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

: gimp-l mliqqlllgmiii /7 A. E. COOKKL T. VANTUYL. AUTOMOBlLE PLOW.APPLICATION FILED JUNE 19. 1909.

1,1581%. Patented Oct. 26, 1915.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 9.

saw vAn'ruYL' ASSIGNOB 'IO SAID COOK.

AUTOMOBILE PLOW.

Speeification of Letters Patent.

Patented eat. as, 1915.

Application filed June 19, 1909. Serial No. 503,262.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that we, ALBERT E. CooK andTHOMAS VANTUYL, citizens of the United States, and residents of the cityof Odebolt, in the county of Sac and State of Iowa, have inventedcertain new and useful Improvements in Automobile Flows; and we dohereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exactdescription of the same, reference being held to the accompanyingdrawings, and to the numbers of reference marked thereon, which form apart of this specification.

This invention relates to that class of plows or agricultural implementsset forth in the prior application for patent of Albert E. Cook abovenamed for Agricultural implements, filed Oct. 20th, 1908, Serial No.459,139, in which power driven disks are utilized both as the plowingmeans and also the means for affording traction in propelling a machineoperated under its own ower.

The object of this invention is to afford a new and improved automobileplowing unit capable of use independently or in conjunction with othermechanisms to be propelled thereby, as, for instance, cutting orharvesting mechanism and pulverizing and seeding mechanisms or any andall other devices capable of being operated in conjunction therewith andfrom the same source of power.

It is also an object of the invention to afford a machine of the classdescribed affording the utmost facility in steering and adapted tooperate with the utmost ease in either direction and capable also ofoperation so that one set or gang of disks may follow the other, or ofan adjustment whereby the gangs operate abreast to greatly increase thewidth of cut made by the machine.

It is also an object of the invention to afford exceedingly simple andpowerful steering and opcratingmechanism and in coniunction therewith adriving mechanism or transmission operated largely by friction, ifdesired, and which enables the machine to be driven at any desired rateof travel and which enables increased power to be secured when thedriving rate is reduced.

It is also an object of the invention to afford a very rigid frameconstruction provided with a fifth wheel. or turn table at each endthereof, one for each gang of disks, and to afford in connection withthe same exceedingly powerful driving mechanism and adjusting mechanismwhereby the adjustment of the disk gangs may be effected independentlyeach of the other and also enabling the gangs each to be driven at adifferent rate of speed.

It is also an object of the invention to afford a plowing and tractiondisk adapted to act not only through the peculiar shape of the disk butas well to operate in part centrifugally, thus enabling a higherefficiency to be attained than would otherwise be possible.

It is finally an object of the invention to afford a device of the classdescribed so constructed as to insure the greatest adaptability of theconstruction as a whole to uneven surfaces and whereby the frame issupported yieldingly upon the gang shafts in a manner to permitthemachine passing over the most uneven ground without danger ofbreakage of parts, and also to afford a simple, durable and efficientdevice of the class described by the use of which a ,very large surfacemay be plowed or thoroughly tilled daily without requiring more than oneoperator for the machine.

he invention consists in the matters hereinafter described and morefully pointed out and defined in the appended claims.

in the drawings: vation of a machine embodying our invention. Fig. 2 isa top plan view thereof partly in horizontal section and showing thegangs arranged tandem. Fig. 3 is a similar view with the deck, motor,and transmission Figure 1 is a side eleelements removed and illustratingthe arrangement of the gangs abreast. Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentaryend elevation broken away. Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail section withparts omitted on line 5-5 of Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentarysection with parts omitted on line 6-6 of Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a reducedview partly in section and partly broken away of the lower transmissionfriction shafts. Fig. 8 is an enlarged section taken on line 8-8 of Fig.7. Fig. 9 is a section taken on line 9--9 of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is anenlarged'bottom plan view of a part of the transmission mechanism. Fig.11 is a section taken on line lot 11l1 of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a detailView of a part of the mechanism for adjusting each disk gang relativelythe frame. Flg. 13 is a section on line 1313 of Fig. 12. Fig. 11 is asection on line 1+ll1 of Fig. 2. Fig. 15 is an enlarged section on line1515 of Fig. 2. Fig. 16 is a section on line l616 of Fig. 15. Fig. 17 isa fragmentary top plan View with parts omitted and partly in section ofthe shifting and adjusting devices and mechanisms for operating themachine. Fig. 18 is a section on line 1818 of Fig. 1 Fig. 19 is asection on line 19-19 of Fig. 18. Fig. 20 is an enlarged View partlybroken away and in longitudinal section of one of the gangs of disks.Fig. '21 is a view illustrating the centrifugal action of the disk inturning the soil, such turning effect being shown in a somewhatexaggerated manner. Fig. 22 is a section takenon line 2222 of Fig. 2,with parts omitted. Fig. 23 is an enlarged sectional view illustratingthe attachment of the caster wheel with the main frame. Fig. 21 is a topplan view of the caster stem. Fig. 25 is a'section on line 2525 of Fig.22. Fig. 26 is a section on line 2626 of Fig. 21. Fig. 27 is a detail ofone of the tubular gang shaft sections. Fig. 28 is a detail of thewasher.

As shown in the drawings; The frame of the machine is constructedlargely or almost wholly of pressed steel and comprises side sills 1 and2, of suitable structural form conveniently, as shown, pressed or formedas channels, the flanges of which are turned in wardly, and which, asshown, are rigidly connected at their ends by an annular front and anannular rear frame 3 and 1, to which the ends of the side sills 1 and,2, are rigidly secured by riveting or otherwise.

Journaled to rotate horizontally in each of said annular frames 3 and 4,are the front and rear gangs of plowing disks hereinafter more fullydescribed and on which the machine as a whole is supported and by meansof which the propulsion of the machine and the plowing is accomplished.

As shown, an annular fifth wheel 5, is secured within each of theannular frames 3 and 4, as shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 13, and securedthereon in any suitable manner is an internally geared rim 6, which maybe bolted or otherwise attached thereto; Extending downwardly from saidfifth wheel on diametrically opposite sides thereof are brackets 7,between which are secured at their lower ends bearing boxes 8, which maybe of any suitable kind or construction for the purpose, but which maybe, if desired, of hard wood or other suitable material. Journaledtherein are shafts 10, which extend diametrically across the fifth whSecured in said fifth wheel on opposite sides thereof are brackets 11,which are riveted within said fifth wheel and the ends of as shown inFig. 20, and

which extend outwardly and downwardly and connecting which aretransverse beams or struts 12, each a central bearing shafts 10, pass.As shown, the oppositely directed alined driving shafts 10, aresurrounded by fixed sleeve sections 14 and 15, and their inner ends areconnected by means of a differential gear of any suitable or preferredtype which as shown in Fig. 5 is casing. A casing 16, incloses a bevelgear 17 adapted to drive the differential. A cage 18, extends alongsideof the bevel gear 17, and a vertical shaft 19, is journaled therein andprovided with a bevel pinion 20, which meshes with said bevel gear. Asshown also, anti-friction bearings are provided on said shaft above andbelow said pinion 20, to hold the thrust thereof when in operation.

Side beams 21, are secured to brackets 7, and pivotally secured theretoat one end are of which is provided with box 13, through which thelnclosed in a suitable the half elliptic springs 2223, between which theouter bearing box for the sleeves 14*15 respectively are secured and inwhich the shafts 10, are journaled. The outer and downward end of saidspring 22 is pivotally secured to the lower half of the bearing box 24,as shown in Figs. 4: and 1 1. To the upper half of the bearing box isrigidly secured (by means of the bolts which secure the two halves ofthe bearing box together) a plate 201, provided with parallel ways orlugs 202, providing a space therebetween to receive the end of the lowerleaf of the spring 23, therein and a pin 203, secured to the ways holdsthe spring between the ways and permits free sliding of the upper springrelatively of the bearing box.

Journaled in said boxes 24, are the gang shafts. These, as shown, aretubular and consist each of a tubular section 25, comprising half thelength of the shaft as a whole, at the inner end provided with anoutwardly turned flange, 26, which abuts against an anti-friction plateof any suitable material engaged be: tween the inner ends of said shaftsat said flanges. Fitted on said shaft sections 25, are short tubularsections 28, each of which is flanged at one end to afford a collar 29,which bears against a fiat face at or near the center of the doubleconcave plowing disks 30, each of which, as shown, is shaped at itscenter to fit on the inner shaft 25, and is provided with recesses 31,as shown in Fig. 21, to receive a plurality of prongs 9, on the end ofthe adjacent tubular section 28, which thereby rigidly fixes said disksfrom rotation on said shaft. As shown, a collar or washer 32, isprovided on the opposite side of each disk from the collar 29, whichalso is provided with a central aperture adapted to receive the prongson said tubular shaft sections so that when the shaft cured on the gangwith the disks are assembled a structure of great strength is afforded.The flange 29, disk 30, and washer 32, are bolted together. As shown,hub caps 150, each bearing against a suitable washer 33, on the outerend of each tubular shaft 25, are provided and act to firmly jam andhold the disks from movement longitudinally on the shaft.

Engaged about the flanges 26, in the inner ends of the tubular shafts25, is a steel band 34, against which fit the collars 35. Suitablepacking is provided between the flanges 26, and said collars so that incase 0 necessity the two halves of said shaft may rotate at slightlydifferent rates.

The disks 30, shown are of large size, usually in the neighborhood ofthirty six (36) inches in diameter and are concaved at one side atthe'hub and on the other from near the hub to the periphery, so that theattachment of the disk with the shaft is at all times practically in thesame plane with the periphery of the disk, thus affording in the disksmuch greater strength than would otherwise be the case and affording alarger clearance at the center or between the adj acent disks on theshaft and what is more important, affording a curvature near theperiphery of the disks which enables the disk to act centrifugally inturning the soil and cleaning itself while maintaining its full cuttingefficiency.

Power is transmittedto the disks from the shafts 10, in any suitablemanner. referably, however, a chain drive is employed and for thispurpose a globular or ball shaped casing 36, is provided on the ends ofthe sleeves 14 and 15, for the driving shaft 10, fitted within which arethe cups 3738, of ball bearings, the complemental cones 39 and 40, ofwhich are secured on the elongated hubs 41, of a sprocket wheel 42,rigidly secured on the outer end of each shaft 10, as shown in Fig. 16.

Rigidly secured near each end of each gang shaft and in alinement withthe sprocket wheel 42, is a sprocket wheel 43, about which. and thesprocket wheel 42, is trained a chain 44, whereby the drive istransmitted. Said chain passes through apertures in the globular casing.

Secured on the cage or casing 36, is a chain and sprocket case 45,conveniently of sheet metal and which wholly incloses the chain and saidsprocket wheel, and as shown, se-

shaft areblocks of wood 46, which fit to said shaft and on the outerside of said case to enable the shaft to have some play thereinlongitudinall of the same without exposing and opening thereinto topermit access of dirt. As shown, each of the globular casings 36, isprovided on its outer side with a nut 47, adapted to be removed topermit access to the bearings on said shaft and to the sprocket wheel orchain.

The frame is decked over with sheet metal or other suitable material andsupported, as shown, centrally thereon is a gasolene engine 48, thecrank shafts 49, of which extend longitudinall of the machine from endto end thereof. Supported and rigidly secured on the shafts 19, wherebythe driving shafts for the gangs are actuated are thin friction disks50, circular in form, as shown in Figs. 2 and 5.

Secured longitudinally of each of the annular frames and directlybeneath the crank shaft 49, is a frame comprising outwardly facingchannels 51, which are secured in parallel relation to the boxing oneach side of the differential and bearing for the shaft 19. At one endsaid channels 51, are rigidly secured together and also supported onsaid annular frame by means of a bracket 52, as shown in Fig. 5, whichextends upwardly and rearwardly and engages on said frame and at theopposite extremities the channels 51, are connected and supported upon ahanger 53, attached to a bracket 54, secured on the frame of themachine, and which also supports the bearing 55, for the outer end ofthe engine shaft. Eccentrically journaled in the end members of saidframe and also on a central pivot bearing 56, which affords also theboxing for the shaft 19, are shafts 57v and 58, on the shaft 57, andrigidly secured beneath a fixed friction wheel 60, is a pressurefriction wheel 59, adapted to coact with the friction wheel 60, on theengine shaft 49, in reversing the movement of the machine and slidablysecured on the shaft 57, beneath the slidable friction wheel 62, on saidengine shaft 49, is a slidable friction pulley 61. Said friction pulley61, is housed in a casing comprising sections 143-443 which are boltedtogether and feathered on the shaft. Also feathered on the shaft in thecasing is a bearing ring 144, formed of two sections which are boltedtogether and are shaped to provide a peripheral ball race. Said frictionwheel 61, is rotatable in the casing with one side projectingtherethrough and fits over the bearing ring and affords an innerperipheral groove to form with the bearing ring a ball race in which areballs, rollers or the like.

Means are provided for simultaneously adjusting said slidable pressurefriction wheel 62, and friction pulley 61, on the respective shafts tovary the speed of drive. As shown, the slidable friction wheel andfriction pulley are arranged on the forward end of the engine shaft atthe front end of the machine, and, inasmuch as'the friction disks 50,rotate oppositely in the respective annular frames at the ends of themachine, the slidable friction wheel and roller on the rear drive arealso near the extremity of the shaft and the fixed friction wheel androller are adjacent the engine.

. in Figs. 2 and 4, and are journaled at their Means are provided forpartly rotating either the shaft 57, or 58, to bring the frictionrollers thereon into engagement beneath the disk 50, thereby springingthe edge of the disk upwardly to bring the same into positive en agementwith the corresponding friction wheel or pulley on the engine shaft. Forthis purpose, as shown, a steering mast 63, provided at its upper endwith a hand heel 64:, is secured to extend through the deck convenientlyat one side of the middle of the machine, and as shown, a base 65,therefor is bolted in place beneath the deck, journaled in which are thealined forwardly and rearwardly extending shafts 66 and 67, which extendrespectively through the annular frame above the fifth wheel, as shownouter ends in suitable bearings 68, secured on said annular framemembers. Secured on the outer end of each of said shafts, (thetransmission for the rear gang driving mechanism being the same as forthe forward mechanism) is a crank arm 69, which is connected by means ofa rod or link 70, with a crank arm 71, secured on the eccentricallyjournaled shaft 57, so that rotation of the shaft 66, in one directionacts to throw the pressure friction roller 61,-upwardly into engagementwith the friction disk 50, while rotation in the opposite direction,owing to the eccentricity of the bearings of said shaft, acts to swingthe said roller out of engagement with said disk. For the purpose ofrotating said shaft sufliciently to accomplish this adjustment a mitergear segment 72, is secured on'said shaft 66, and meshes with acomplemental miter gear segment 73, which is journaled on a stud shaft74, which extends laterally from the base casting 65, for the steeringmast. Rigidly secured on the outer end of the shaft 74, is a toothedsegment 75, adapted to be engaged by a detent 76, engaged upon a lever75?, which, as shown, is rigidly engaged on an arm 79, integral with thesegment 73, so that the operator, at operating position, as, forinstance, the reversible seat 80, may rotate said shaft should he sodesire. Also rigidly engaged on the shaft 66, is a crank arm 81, with 1which is connected a link 82, or rod such as before described, the innerend of which is pivotally engaged on a crank arm 83, secured on theeccentric shaft 58. Said crank arms 69 and 81, are so secured on theshaft 66, that when adjusted in neutral position both the pressurefriction pulleys 61 and 59, are-out of engagement with the driving diskfrom which position farther rotation in either direction of said shaftacts to throw one or the other of said pressure friction rolls(dependent upon the direction of rotation) into engagement with thedriving disk, as before described.

All'the details of construction for the rear driving mechanism areduplications of those for the front drive except that on the adjust-'ing shaft 67, for th'erear eccentric shafts, the miter gear segment 84,projects oppositely from the miter gear segment 72. It is engaged,however, a corresponding miter gear segment 85, on a stud shaft. 86,actuated by a lever 87, such as before described, and as shown also, asegment 88, is provided to hold thelever in adjusted position by meansof a suitable detent.

Means are provided for shifting the pressure friction roller 61, andfriction pulley or wheel 62, simultaneously on the eccentric and theengine shafts respectively. For this purpose a sleeve 151, is providedon the shaft 66, within each annular gang frame. At the rear end of saidsleeve is provided a knuckle 89, with which is pivotally engaged a rod90, provided at its end adjacent the steering shaft with a rack 91, onthe inner side thereof, as shown in Fig. 17.

Secured on the steering mast 63, is a tubular shaft 92, provided with anactuating wheel 93, at the upper end thereof and eX- tending downthrough the steering frame 65, as shown in Fig. 18. Also rotatablysecured on said tubular shaft or sleeve 92, is a third or outer shaft94, provided with an actuating wheel 95, and provided at its lower endin a suitable boxing on the upper side of the steering and actuatingframe with a pinion 96, with which the rack bars 91 and 97 for the frontand the rear transmissions re spectively mesh.

The sleeve 151 at its forward end is pro vided with a knuckle 98, whichis connected by means of a link 99, with a lever 100, one end of whichis fulcrumed'on the annular frame before described, and the other end ofwhich is provided with a fork which suitablyengagesthe hub of thefriction pulley or wheel 62, while a branch 101, of said lever extendsbeneath the driving friction disk, as shown in Fig. 4, and engages thehub of the pressure friction roller rotation of the shaft 94, by meansof the hand wheel 95, the friction pulleys or wheels 62, and pressurefriction rollers 61 and the corresponding friction wheels and pressurefriction rollers for the rear gang transmission are shifted radially ofthe driving disk, thus enabling the rate of drive to be varied at thewill of the operator without varying the drive of the engine and alsoenabling either increased power or increased speed to be secureddependent upon the radial adustment of said friction elements. Means arealso provided for steering the machine by rotating the gangshorizontally in the frames therefor. For this purpose, as shown, miterfriction wheels 102 and 103 are rigidly secured on the engine shaft, apair thereof being secured above each gang and facing inwardly. Slidablysecured on the shaft by means of a sleeve 10ft, is a shaft 105, integralwith the sleeve 104 on which is journaled a bevel friction .wheel 106,complemental with the bevel friction wheels 102 and 103, and adapted tobe driven by either when shifted into engagement therewith. A suitablecasing 107, incloses said friction wheels to protect the same from dirtand dust, and extending through the side thereof, as shown in Figs. 2,10 and 11, is a shaft 108, which extends concentrically into the shaft105, for said bevel friction 106, and on the outer end of which isprovided a As shown the side of the casing 107, is slotted correspondingly to receive the end of the shaft 108. ivotally engaged on the casingabove said crank and depending therefrom below the end of the arm andalso pivotally engaged on the crank arm intermediate its ends, is alever 110. This, as shown, is provided with an aperture in its outer endadapted to receive the end of the shifting arm 111, which, as shown, isrigidly engaged on a sleeve 112, and slidable on the sleeve 151, beforedescribed, and which, as shown, is provided at its inner end with aknuckle 113, with which is pivotally engaged a shifting rod 11 1, innerend of which is pivotally engaged on a crank arm 115, secured on thecentral adjusting shaft or mast 63. In a similar manner an adjusting rod116, similarly connected at its rear end with a sleeve which engages toshift a corresponding bevel friction in a transmission device ispivotally engaged on a crank arm 117, on the shaft or sleeve 92, throughwhich the shaft 63, extends.

Rigidly secured on the hub of the bevel friction wheels 106, is a gearwheel 118, which meshes with a complemental pinion 119, secured on thehorizontal steering shaft 120, which, as shown, extends across theannular frame and is journaled in suitable both rotate in the samebearings at its ends secured within said annular frame above theinternal gear. Secured on said shaft at each end thereof are worms 121,which mesh each with a worm gear wheel 122, each on the forward side ofthe shaft so that said worm gear whees direction, said worm gear wheelsbein journaled in a suitable boxing 123, rigid y secured frame above theinternally toothed gear in said annular frame, and as shown, rigidlyconnected with saidworm gear is a pinion 121, which meshes with saidinternal gear 6, so that the rotation of the shaft 120, acts to turn thefifth wheel beneath the machine thereby adjusting the gangs relativelythe main frame.

The transmission devices at each endof the machine may be covered .andinclosed in a suitable hood 126, which may also contain the radiateddevices to keep the engine cool should a gasolene or other explosion armg thrust of the other l sleeve 141 adapted in the annular motor beemployed as will usually be the case.

The operation is as follows: The operator from the reversible seat 80,may vary the speed of the machine at any desired rate within itscapacity, may steer the same, and effect all adjustments from thecentral operating position without leaving the seat. Ordinarily, when itis desired to move the machine without plowing, the gang shafts arearranged at substantially a right angle with the longitudinal axis ofthe machine, as shown in Fig. 2. \Vith this adjustment the machine maybe driven in either direction practically without disturbing the soil.When it is desired to plow, however, the ang shafts are arranged more orless obliquely with reference to the main frame, this being accomplishedby means of the steering wheels 64: and 93. When so arranged, the thrustof one set of disks may, if desired, counteract wholly or in part theset. In consequence, the machine may readily be caused to follow astraight course or by the relative adjustment of the gang shafts withrespect to the main frame, the direction of travel may be varied atwill.

With the arrangement just described one set of gangs followssubstantially behind the other, the front set in that case serving inpart as trash cutters and beginning the turning of the soil, while thecompletion of the turning and pulverizing of the soil is eflected by therear gang.

'Of course, a furrow wheel 126, or land wheel 127, may be employed andsecured at any convenient point on the machine to assist in maintainingthe proper direction. These, however, are ordinarily not required whenthe gangs are operated tandem, as it has been found by experience thatthe machine may be readily directed or gu ded without the aid of suchauxiliaries. Should it be desired touse the same, however, a

suitable bracket 140, may be secured on each side of the machine at aconvenient point on the frame provided with a horizontal to receive anarm 128, therein which is integrally connected with a vertical sleeve129, the adjustment of which either outwardly or inwardly from the sideof the machine may be arranged by means of set screws 130, in the sleeve14:1. The furrow wheel 126, and the land wheel 127, are each journaledon a castgr stem 131, adapted to rotatably extend the sleeve 129, and asshown, a rotatable collar 132, is removably secured on the uper end ofeach of said caster stems an adapted to be engaged by a yoked lever 134,rigidly connected with the hand lever 135, and as shown, a spring detentis provided on said hand lever 136, adapted to engage a toothed segment137, suitably secured wit reference thereto whereby the caster orfurated in this manner in the soil takes row wheels may be elevatedsufficiently to clear the ground or may be lowered into operativeposition. Said land and furrow wheels or either the land or furrow wheelmaybe employed on either side of the frame inasmuch as the same areinterchangeable by merely removing, the nut 138, from the upper end ofthe caster stem, thereby permitting the removal of the stem of one wheeland inserting the stem into the other.

Vhen it is desired to plow as large a surface in a. given time aspossible, the machine may be arranged with the respective gangssubstantially abreast, as shown in Fig. 3. When so arranged, the machineis balanced upon the respective gangs by means of the laterally disposedfurrow or land wheels and the machine when so arranged moves obliquelyforwardly, cultivating or plowing a strip approximately equal to the sumof the length of the gang shafts. WVhen operit may be, and usually isdesirable to adjust the gangs so that the thrust of the front gangofcutting disks shall counteract the thrust of the rear gang. This iseasily accomplished by means of the steering mechanism and there beingno obstruction beneath the frame of any kind or nature, either gang maybe turned so that the concave cutting face of the disks may be directedto either the right or the left, as preferred, and in Fig. 3, anadjustment is shown wherein the gangs of disks are adjusted for thethrust of the respective gangs to substantially balance each other.

The efliciency of the machine in plowing is greatly augmented owing tothe high peripheral velocity of the disks as compared with the rate oftravel of the machine, inasmuch as considerable slippage of the disksplace, part of the energy applied being consumed in the lateral andupward thrust of the soil and the slippage of the disks and a part inthe forward move ment of the machine. When the disks are of largediameter such high peripheral speed of rotation renders the sameself-cleaning and acts upon the soil centrifugally with the result ofpartly turning the same as illustrated in a somewhat exaggerated mannerin Fig. 21, at the same time pulverizing the soil thoroughly.

Of course, an independent motor may be employed for each gang ifdesired, and the particular transmission, while very efficient may bevaried, and other meansmay be employed for positively locking the gangsin adjusted position than the worm and gear hereinbefore described.

Any particular type of differential may be employed and we havetherefore not given a detailed description of the differential employedon the driving shaft for the gangs, and it is to be understood that anystock or preferred type of differential gear may be employed. So too itis to be understood that while we have described the invention asconstructed mainly of pressed steel, such structural materials are notindispensable for any suitable materials may be employed.

While the particular spring suspension serves admirably and admits ofthe utmost freedom of movement of the gangs in passing over unevensurfaces without disturbing the general level of the deck of themachine, it is not to be understood that this particular springsuspension is indispensable although important and very convenient, and,of course, it is to be understood the disks may be of any suitable size,number or arrangement and also that the number of gangs may vary.

Auxiliary devices and other agricultural machines may be employed inconnection with our invention, or a plow embodying our invention mayserve as a tractor therefor and very many details of construction,arrangement and adaptationJnay be varied without departing from theprinciples of our invention. \Ve therefore do not purpose limiting thisapplication for patent otherwise than necessitated by the prior art.

We claim as our invention:

1. A plow comprising sets of interfitting frames, the inner frame ofeach set rotatable, gangs of plow disks connected with the inner frames,one gang adapted to follow the other or all the gangs of disks adaptedto operate abreast and power operated means for independently adjustingeach gang of disks.

2. In a device of the class described a frame, a plurality of circulartracks rigidly secured thereon, rotatable members secured on saidtracks, gangs of disks and springs connecting the gangs of disks to saidrotatable members at a position other than in line with a diameter ofsaid members.

3. In a plow a frame, a shaft, plowing disks secured to the shaft,spring suspensions provided with bearing blocks on the lower ends toreceive the ends of the shaft and pivoted at their upper ends to theframe.

4. In a plow a frame,'circular tracks thereon, rotatable channel memberssupported by the tracks, gangs of plows secured to said rotatablemembers and spring suspensions secured to the rotatable members at oneend and to the gangs of plows at the opposite end.

5. In a device of the class described a frame, rotatable frames, gangsof rotatable disk plows secured to the rotatable frames and springsuspensions secured to the gangs and pivoted to the rotatable frame tosupport the frame from the disks.

6. In a device of the class described a frame, a rotatable frame securedthereto, a

ea shaft for rotating the drive shaft rotatable with the' frame, adriven shaft rotatable with the frame, dis plows thereon, meansactuating the driven shaft from the drive shaft 'and springs ivoted tothe rotatable frame and supporting the driven shaft.

7. In a device of the class described a frame, a rotatable frame securedthereto, a drive shaft rotatable with the frame, a driven shaftrotatable with the frame, disk plows thereon, means actuating the drivenslufft from the drive shaft, springs pivoted to the rotatable frame andsupporting the driven shaft, a motor, transmission mechanism operatedthereby for actuating the drive shaft, .and means for rotating therotatable frame.

8. In a machine of the class describeda frame, a rotatable membersecured thereto, a driven shaft carried by the rotatable memher, a plowshaft, plow disks secured thereto, driving chains connecting the drivenshaft and the plow shaft, spring suspensions pivoted on the ends of thedriven shaft having their upper ends pivoted to the rotatable member andtheir lower ends pivoted to the plow shaft.

9. In a'device of the class described a main frame, 'a. motor thereon,rotatable frames supported by the main frame, mechanism forindependently rotating the frames, friction mechanism operated by themotor for actuating said mechanism to rotate the frames in eitherdirection, a set of cultivating implements supported by each rotatableframe,

mechanism for rotating the cultivating implements, a friction disk foractuating the same, oppositely disposed friction members adjustableacross the face of the friction disk for varying the drive of thecultivating implements, and oppositely disposed friction membersnon-adjustable across the face of the friction disk for reversing therotation of the cultivating implements.

10. In a device of the class described a frame, an engine mountedthereon with its shaft directed longitudinally thereof, driving frictionelements on said shaft, friction disks adapted to be rotated by part ofsaid friction elements, actuating mechanism driven by said disks, gangsof implements operated by each actuating mechanism, an annular gearconnected with each gang 0 implements and mechanism operated by part ofthe friction members on the engine shaft for rotating said annular gear.

11. In a machine of the class described a an engine mounted thereon, adrive shaft operated by the engine, a rotatable frame, a gang of plowingdisks carried by the rotatable frame, mechanism operated from the driveshaft for rotating the frame thereby adjusting the position of the gangof disks, mechanism operated from the drive disks, land and furrowthereon, disks driven wheels pivoted to the frame, mechanism foradjusting the same vertically and means permitting the wheels beingadjusted horizontally toward or from the frame.

12. In a motor disk plow a frame, a motor by the motor, means foradjusting the direction of movement of the disks, land and furrow wheelspivoted to the frame, and leaf springs supporting the plowing disks.

18. An automobile plow embracing a frame comprising in part a pluralityof annular frames engaged together by means of the main frame, a motoron the frame, a gang of power driven plow disks, leaf springs supportingthe same in each of the annular frames and power operated annulargearing for adjusting said gang frames.

14. The combination with a main frame, a motor and means for supportingone end 0 said frame, of a circular frame in the other end thereof, agang of plowing disks journaled therein to swinghorizontally, said disksarranged in alined groups and capable of differential movement, andmeans for adusting said gang in the circular frame embracing atransmission element operated by the motor and a train of gearsconnected with the transmission element and with a gear on the gangframe.

15. The combination with a main frame and driving means supporting oneend thereof, of a circular frame secured on each end of the mainframe,.a fifth wheel secured to rotate therein, gangs of coaxial drivingan plowing disks adapted to be driven differentially and journaled onthe fifth wheel, a motor and operative connections therewith for drivingsaid gang in either direction and also for rotating the fifth wheel.

16. A machine of the class described embracing two annular frames, amain frame connecting said annular frames, coaxial differentially drivengangs of plowing and propelling disks engaged in each annular frame toturn as a whole horizontally therein, a motor supported on said frame, ashaft therefor, and operative connections therewith to adjust said gangswith respect to each other and connections adapted to drive the gangs.

17. In a machine of the class described a rotatable and adjustable gangof coaxial plowing and propelling disks and a motor carried thereon foradjusting and differentially driving the same.

18. In a plowing machine a main frame, gangs of plowing disks supportingthe same, cantaliver elliptic leaf springs interposed between the frameand gangs to prevent vibration of the frame as the gangs plow unevensurfaces, a motor supported on the frame, driving mechanism operatedthereby for actuating the gangs of plows, mechanism adapted to rotatethe gangs horizontally for steering the plow and friction elements forselectively actuating the mechanism to rotate the gangs in eitherdirection.

19... In a plowing machine a main frame, gangsof plowing diskssupporting the same, springs interposed between the frame and gangs toprevent vibration of the frame as the gangs plow. uneven surfaces, amotor supported on the frame, driving mechanism operated thereby foractuating the gangs of plows, mechanism adapted to rotate the gangshorizontally for steering the plow, friction elements for selectivelyactuating the mechanism to rotate the gangs in either direction,steering shafts secured to the frame and connected to shift theappropriate friction elements in steering, and wheels secured to theshafts.

Y in any adjustment.

20. In a plowing machine a main frame, gang of plowing diskssupportingthe same, springs interposed between the frame and gangs toprevent vibration of the frame as the gangs plow uneven surfaces, amotor supported on the frame, driving mechanism operated thereby foractuating the gangs of plows adapted to rotate the gangs horizontallyfor steering the plow} friction elements for selectively actuati g themechanism torotate the gang in eith y er direction, steering shaftsframe and connected to shift the appropriate friction element insteering, wheels secured to the shafts, and a shaft connected to actuatethe mechanism for varying the speed of the plows and all of said shaftsconcentrically arranged and operated from one position on the frame.

21. A plowing machine comprising gangs of plowing disks, a framesupported thereby, a motor thereon for driving the gangs, and land andfurrow wheels adjustable vertically and horizontally and rotatably held22. A plowing machine comprising gangs of plowing disks, a framesupported thereby, a motor thereon for driving the gangs, land andfurrow wheels adjustable vertically and horizontally and rotatably heldin any adjustment, levers for effecting the adjustment of said wheelsand said wheels rotatable in a horizontal plane in any adjustment toautomatically adjust themselves to the travel of the plow.

23. In a motor plow gangs of plowing disks, a frame, strong cantaliversprings supporting the frame on the gangs of disks,

the coaxial gangs drive said pinion, secured to the and sprocket wheels,

an engine on the frame havin its shaft extending longitudinally of therame, a mechanism adapted to be operated from the engine shaft foractuating the gangs of disks and a mechanism operated from the engineshaft for adjusting the gangs of disks independently to steer the,machine.

24. In a motor plow coaxial gangs of plowing disks, a frame, strongsprings supporting the frame on the gangs of disks, an engine on theframe having its shaft extending longitudinally of the frame, a'frictiondriven differential mechanism adapted to be operated'from the engineshaft for actuating of disks, a friction mechanism operated from theengine shaft for adjustingth'e gangs of'disks to steer the machine,bearings at the outer end of the engine shaft, and means inclosing theengine shaft and mechanism operated therefrom.

25. In a device of the frame, circular track members arranged at eachend thereof, circular frames movable in said track members, gear teethprovided on said circular frames, a pinion journaled'on said trackmembers adapted to engage said teeth to move said circular frames, amotor mounted on the frame, a worm connected to and friction drivingmechanisms connected between said motor and said worm whereby said circularframe may be adjusted relative said track members.

An automobile plow comprising a main frame, a rotatable frame securedthereto, a driven shaft rotatable with the frame, a plow shaft, plowingdisks thereon, sprocket 'wheels on the ends of the shafts, sprocketchains trained around the sprocket wheels, chain guards inclosing thechains a bevel gear on the driven shaft, a bevel gear meshing therewith,a shaft secured to the last named bevel gear, a horizontal frictionmember secured to said shaft, a motor on the main frame and a pluralityof friction members driven thereby each adapted to drive the horizontalfriction member.

In testimony whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names in thepresence of two subscribing witnesses.

ALBERT E. COOK. THOMAS VANTUYL.

class described a

